THE KING'S MIRROR 301 



tudes of fishes of many sorts in the depths of the waters. 

 He also commanded the four-footed beasts to multiply 

 upon earth into many and divers species. He girded the 

 entire circle of the earth with a roaring ocean and briny 

 streams. He commanded fresh waters to flow forth in 

 steep cascades over the face of the land, and built the 

 foundations of the earth with numerous passages, that 

 the flowing waters might always be able to fulfil the 

 duties assigned them; and He commanded the light 

 vapors to carry heavy waters through the heights of 

 the air by means of enticing warmth. Further He 

 bade the wind-swollen clouds pour forth cool showers 

 over the face of the earth. And the Maker of all things 

 bade me oversee the whole artifice of the divine handi- 

 work. Then I moved briskly with treading foot over the 

 mountain top; I fared lightly over smooth vales and 

 level fields; I strode with toilsome and heavy step over 

 the rough billows; and I measured the width of the level 

 ocean with gentle tread. Pressing forward with stiffened 

 knee, I walked upon the wings of the stormy winds. 

 With gentle speech I taught the silent calm its pleasing 

 manner. I traced my path through the heights of heaven 

 and the expanse of the air; I scanned the curved circle 

 of the restless ocean; and I paced and measured the en- 

 tire globe of the sphere-shaped earth. I traveled over 

 hills and mountains; I ran over fields and meadows and 

 level valleys; and I gave honey-like dew to all the blos- 

 soming herbs. I passed among thorns and bushes and 

 through forests of every kind and gave sweet blossoms 

 to the fruit-bearing trees. I pitched my tent in a shadow- 

 less beam of light and went forth from this fair shelter 



